A Proclamation in Rochester
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans presents a proclamation to Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo during the opening of the NY Statewide Preservation Conference on April 16, 2024. Photo by John Schlia
This year’s New York Statewide Preservation Conference was back in Rochester for the first time in several years. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans was on hand to welcome conference attendees — and we were honored that during his opening remarks he recognized the League’s 50th Anniversary by presenting League President Jay DiLorenzo with a City Proclamation. The full text of the proclamation is below. Many thanks to Mayor Evans and his staff for making this happen!
WHEREAS: The Preservation League of New York State was founded in March 1974 when preservationists from across the state came together, recognizing the need for a unified voice promoting preservation statewide. Among the founders was Rochester's own Billie Harrington, also active in Rochester's Landmark Society of Western New York; and
HEREAS: One of the Preservation League's first victories was the protection of the Great Camp Sagamore in the Adirondacks, requiring extensive coalition-building and a change to the New York State Constitution. Since then, the League has played a major role in advocating for Historic Tax Credits, which have benefited preservation efforts throughout the state and in the City of Rochester; and
WHEREAS: The League has acted as a catalyst to strengthen local preservation efforts by building a strong statewide network and has made more than $4 million in grants to kickstart local preservation projects across the state (including, since 2001, more than $174,000 in grants for Rochester projects). Since 1999, Rochester's preservation efforts have led to 22 Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards from the League, given to people, projects and organizations located in the city, including the Eastman Dental Dispensary which appeared on the League's inaugural Seven to Save list, to the more recent award for the Little Theatre in 2022; and
WHEREAS: The League continues to work passionately to protect New York State's heritage from loss; promote reinvestment in historic buildings, neighborhoods, downtowns and natural landscapes; advance equity, diversity and inclusion in its work; make preservation and reuse integral to addressing climate change; and facilitate and build the capacity and effectiveness of preservationists throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS: The City of Rochester honors its past and seeks to breathe new life into its historic landmarks, to share our pride and create new, improved spaces that serve the community. We appreciate the 50 years of expertise, coalition-building and contributions of the Preservation League of NYS and hope for many more years of cooperation and partnership in Rochester and across the state.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Malik D. Evans, Mayor of the City of Rochester, New York, do hereby proclaim and celebrate April 16, 2024 as:
THE PRESERVATION LEAGUE OF N.Y. STATE'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY